Why Liverpool should make a move for Ruben Semedo
According to Express, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have zeroed in on Ruben Semedo to solve their defensive crisis. The Reds are losing defensive personnel faster than they are recovering and with Joe Gomez being the latest in line to face a spell on the sidelines, Klopp could finally be forced to dip into the January transfer market.
Profile
Ruben Semedo is a 26-year-old Portuguese centre-back who plays for Greek side Olympiacos Piraeus. He started out his youth career at SC Sacavenense in 2007 and had spells at SL Benfica before joining Sporting CP’s academy in 2010. The next few years, he progressed through the youth sides and was promoted to the ‘B’ side in 2013.
However, he was soon loaned out to Reus Deportiu. On his return, he was promoted to the senior side but was again loaned out to Vitoria Setubal. After a short loan spell there, he was made a part of the first team as he went on to make 48 appearances for the side.
In 2017, he was sold to Villarreal and after the first season, he was loaned out to SD Huesca. He was again loaned out to Rio Ave in 2019 and on his return he was signed on a permanent basis by Olympiacos. Semedo looks settled now as he has already made 55 appearances for the Greek side, scoring 5 goals (source – Transfermarkt).
A regular of the Portugal youth sides, he recently made his senior debut back in October. So far, he has two caps for the side.
Semedo can be a good signing for Liverpool
It seems Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp can’t catch a break this season. First, it was Alisson (who is now back), then it was Van Dijk, then Matip and Fabinho. Lastly, there were Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While the club have dealt well with Van Dijk’s ACL injury, Gomez’s injury leaves the club with the injury-prone Matip as the only senior option.
Sure, Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have deputised well but having two of the first-choice senior defenders out for the season should be a bit of concern. Fixtures are coming thick and fast and the club might just be forced to look for at least one defender in January.
The Reds boss has identified Semedo as a potential arrival in January and it could be a good option for them. Fairly experienced in top-flight football, he can be of good use at least until the end of the season and maybe even after that.
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The Portuguese is rated at £18million, which should be to Liverpool’s liking. They are not known to make panic buys for ridiculous amounts. However, with so many factors involved, Semedo wouldn’t be too bad of an expenditure at that price.
